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Music Composition

This competition challenges high school students to compose an original piece of music. Entries will be
judged on their creativity, musical structure, harmonic and rhythmic interest, melodic strength, theoretical understanding, and overall presentation.

Requirements:

 

1. Original Composition: Submit one original, notarized composition. 

2. Formatting: The top page of the composition must include the contestant's name, page number, unit name and number (Coraopolis NAACP #26AB-B).

3. Manuscript: The composition must be neatly written on standard music manuscript paper, clear enough for any trained musician to perform.

 

    a. Electronically generated manuscripts (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) must be carefully proofread to ensure accurate quantization. 

    b. All submissions must demonstrate a strong understanding of the chosen medium. 

4. Audio Recording: Submit an MP3 audio file of the composition along with the National Registration materials. 

    a. Local units may allow CD submissions for local competitions. 

5. Time Limit: The composition must not exceed five minutes. 

Performance: Students must perform their piece without affecting their interview time. 

    a. Performance can be live or pre-recorded. 

    b. Pre-recorded performances must be arranged and produced by the contestant.

        It can feature collaborative performers, however additional points are not awarded for collaborations. 

 

 

Submission Guidelines:

    a. Ensure that all submissions are original and adhere to the specified guidelines. 

    b. Submit the notarized composition, MP3 audio file, and National Registration materials by the March 20 deadline

    c. Email to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com

Showcase Your Musical Talent!

​    This competition is an opportunity to express your creativity and technical skills as a composer. 

Good luck!

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Creative sense (10 pts)

• Form (20 pts)

• Harmonic and rhythmic interest (20 pts)

• Melodic Strength (10 pts)

• Execution of Manuscript (performance) (10 pts)

• Theoretical Understanding (20 pts)

• Quality of transcript (10 pts)

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